The Image staff muses on the culture of keeping up appearances

Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: Duchesses of Cambridge and Cornwall don oh-so-chic hats for Order of the Garter

June 14, 2011 | 9:00
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I admit it. With all the uproar over Princess Beatrice's odd-looking Philip Treacy fascinator at the British royal wedding recently, I've become -- well, fascinated by fascinators. And over-the-top hats. too. So here's a treat: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, left, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (nee Kate Middleton) appearing together at Monday's Order of the Garter Service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. I like 'em both and could see wearing them on the right ceremonial occasion (if I ever went to a ceremonial occasion), though Camilla's does seem a bit overwhelming. [Telegraph][People]

And the fascinators were out in force early Tuesday with the opening of the Royal Ascot races. [Telegraph]

Meanwhile the British fashion world is having something of a tennis moment: The British Fashion Council enlisted a host of British fashion designers to design exclusive outfits for the world's top female tennis players for this year's pre-Wimbledon party, scheduled to take place Thursday. Designers including Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Giles Deacon, Burberry, Richard Nicoll, Matthew Williamson, Hussein Chalayan and David Koma have all offered their services for the project, aimed at raising the off-court profile of the stars of women's tennis and the international profile of British fashion design. Later, the dresses will be auctioned off for charity. [Telegraph]

"Sometimes geeks can be chic." So said Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour on Monday night as she accepted the "People's Voice" prize at Monday night's Webby Awards ceremony. [The Cut]

Blogger Rachel Kane has decided to leave her satiric WTForever21 site up, despite the retailer's statement of intention to sue her for trademark infringement. Last week, she had said that she was shutting down, and would no longer be making fun of Forever 21's clothing online. This week, she has lawyers -- no surprise there -- and plans to fight for her right to freedom of speech, and for fair comment. "If the company continues to makes threats that have no basis in law, my attorneys are prepared to vigorously defend me and seek all available legal redress against Forever 21," she said. This could be fun! [Jezebel]

Tobey Maguire looked good in a Spider-Man costume, so he's bound to look good in Prada. The atelier must think so too. On Monday they announced that Maguire will be the face of Prada's fall/winter advertising campaign. [Telegraph]

Alber Elbaz premiered Lanvin's new collection for little girls at the end of his resort show Monday, and they are indeed dresses fit for little princesses. Think poufy bouffant skirts in cream, rose or scarlet. No word on pricing yet, but as a friend of mine would say, "It won't be cheap." [The Cut]

Photo: The Duchess of Cornwall, left, and Duchess of Cambridge at Monday's Order of the Garter service. Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AFP/Getty Images